The highly anticipated film adaptation of Stephen King's Salem's Lot, helmed by Gary Dauberman, has finally found its release strategy. Originally slated for a theatrical debut in 2022, the movie has now been confirmed to skip theaters entirely and premiere exclusively on the Max streaming service later this year.
Warner Bros. Discovery made the announcement, marking a significant shift from their previous stance of prioritizing theatrical releases over streaming. Despite initial plans for a traditional cinema release, the decision to go straight to streaming aligns with the evolving landscape of film distribution.
Salem's Lot was envisioned as a potential horror blockbuster, drawing parallels to the successful It franchise, which grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. With Gary Dauberman, known for his work on the It films, attached as the writer, director, and producer, expectations were high for this adaptation of King's popular novel.
The movie's journey to the screen has been marked by delays and rescheduling. Originally set for a Labor Day weekend premiere in 2022, the film was later postponed for reshoots. Subsequent release dates in April 2023 were also abandoned, leading to the recent decision to opt for a streaming debut.
Stephen King's Salem's Lot, first published in 1975, has seen previous adaptations in the form of a 1979 miniseries by Tobe Hooper and a 2004 television miniseries. The story follows protagonist Ben Mears as he uncovers a town plagued by vampirism, setting the stage for a battle against the undead.
The upcoming film stays true to the source material, featuring a stellar cast including Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, Pilou Asbaek, Alfre Woodard, and William Sadler. Fans of the novel and its previous screen incarnations can look forward to a fresh take on the chilling tale of Salem's Lot, promising a blend of horror and suspense for audiences on the Max streaming platform.
